2013, a positive year (export sales growth –%)
In 2014, a reaffirmed and strengthened commitment to international expansion
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98% of companies surveyed plan to increase their export business (88% in 2013). In the face of the crisis, the majority of VSE/SMEs are maintaining their determination to boost their export business.
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79% of companies surveyed will certainly strengthen their existing markets, 68% in 2013
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73% of companies surveyed will certainly position themselves in new markets, 54% in 2013
Europe and North America still preferred, but more interest in less popular destinations
China and Russia are considered the most difficult countries to access.
Reinventing the internationalization process
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Only 43% of companies surveyed have used a public partner or service company to support them.
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Only 8% of companies surveyed have been ported by a large group – 73% of companies say they are interested in porting
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Only 15% of companies surveyed said they had already canvassed as part of a group or “pack” – 70% of companies said they were interested in this approach
Priority needs
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Be put in touch with market contacts (92%)
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Make yourself known (88%)
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Financing (78%)
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Information on legal, tax and regulatory issues (82%)
The main obstacles:
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Difficulty identifying partners (76%)
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Difficulty identifying prospects (73%)
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Lack of funding (66%)
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Critical size and maturity not achieved (64%)